The Ultimate Guide to 21+3 Blackjack – Strategies and Rules

Experience the exhilaration of classic Blackjack with the added excitement of poker-inspired side bets in 21+3, a dynamic twist on the age-old game. 21+3 Blackjack combines elements of traditional blackjack with those of Spanish 21, giving players a new way to try their luck against the dealer.

Here we’ll delve into the fascinating world of 21+3 Blackjack, discussing its rules, techniques, and the unique and exciting side bets that make the game so much fun. If you enjoy Blackjack and are searching for a new challenge, or if you enjoy poker and want to broaden your horizons, 21+3 Blackjack is the game for you.

Wild Casino

Claim the best No Deposit Bonus!

• 250 Free Weekly Spins
• Best No Deposit Bonus
• Best USA Online Casino

CLAIM

Bet Online

$3000 Free Bonus – Casino and Betting

• Free Spins
• Ultrafast Withdrawals
• Best Betting Website in USA

CLAIM

Payday Casino

Welcome Bonuses and Free Spins

• Welcome Bonus
• Free Spins
• USA Players allowed

CLAIM

High Roller Casino

Best Casino for High Rollers

• High Deposit Bonus
• Great Jackpots
• USA Players allowed

CLAIM

Super Slots

Huge Bonuses Available

• No Deposit Bonus
• Free Daily Rewards
• USA Players allowed

CLAIM

---

Understanding Surrender in Blackjack

What Is 21/3 Blackjack?

21+3 Blackjack, often referred to simply as “21+3 Blackjack,” is a casino card game that combines the classic rules of Blackjack with the excitement of a poker-inspired side bet. In this game, players aim to achieve a Blackjack hand while also forming a winning poker hand combination using their own cards and the dealer’s up card.

21+3 Blackjack Strategy

Master Basic Blackjack Strategy:

Before delving into the side bet, ensure you have a solid grasp of basic Blackjack strategy. Understand when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

Consider Side Bet Payouts:

Familiarize yourself with the specific payouts for the 21+3 side bet in the casino where you’re playing. Different casinos may have variations in their payout rates for each poker hand combination.

Side Bet as a Complement:

Approach the side bet as an additional element of the game rather than a primary strategy. Focus on your main Blackjack hand, and use the side bet to enhance your experience.

Strong Initial Hand:

When you have a strong initial Blackjack hand (e.g., a total of 19 or 20), prioritize playing out that hand to maximize your chances of winning the main game.

Evaluate Side Bet Potential:

Assess the potential for forming a winning poker hand combination using your two cards and the dealer’s up card. If there’s a reasonable chance of a strong poker hand, consider placing the side bet.

Don’t Compromise Blackjack Strategy:

While the side bet adds excitement, don’t deviate from the basic Blackjack strategy solely to pursue the side bet. Prioritize the best move for your main hand.

Pairs and Side Bet:

Pairs that have the potential for forming a poker hand combination (e.g., suited cards for a flush) could warrant placing the side bet. However, ensure that it doesn’t conflict with the optimal Blackjack strategy.

Side Bet as Entertainment:

Treat the side bet as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed winning strategy. Set a separate budget for side bets and manage your bankroll responsibly.

Use Strategy Charts:

Some casinos provide strategy charts for 21+3 Blackjack, outlining when to place the side bet based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. These charts can serve as helpful references.

Balance Risk and Reward:

Approach the side bet with an understanding of its additional risk. Place side bets when the potential reward justifies the risk based on the poker hand combinations.

Practice and Observe:

Practice 21+3 Blackjack in free play or low-stakes games to familiarize yourself with the dynamics of the side bet. Observe how different strategies impact your overall gameplay.

How To Play Blackjack 21+3

In the 21+3 blackjack side bet you bet on whether the first two cards of your hand and the dealer’s face-up card combine to make one of the three-card poker hands below:

• Flush: Three cards in the same suit
• Straight: Three cards of consecutive values, such as 2-3-4. Aces can be high or low
• Three of a kind: Three cards of the same value/face card
• Straight flush: Three cards of consecutive values that are all in the same suit
• Suited three of a Kind: Three cards of the same value/face card and the same suit

You place the bet before your cards are dealt. Typically there will be a 21+3 box on the table in which you place your stake for the side bet.

If your first two cards plus the dealer’s up-card combine to provide one of these five hands then you win your 21+3 blackjack bet. If not, you lose your side bet stake.

Odds Of 21+3 In Blackjack

The original 21+3 side bet is paid out 9:1 for a winning hand, which results in a house edge of about 3.24%. However, the house edge can vary depending on the blackjack table you are sitting at and the casino you are playing in. Also, the different variations of the 21+3 side bet have house edges ranging from 2.78% to 13.39%.

That being said, since the theoretical RTP of this wager is 95.38%, the standard house edge can be considered to be 4.62%. Compared to many other side bets, the house edge of the 21+3 side bet seems to be quite reasonable, especially because the wager gives multiple options for the players to win. Here is an overview of the statistics of the 21+3 hand in a standard blackjack game with 6 decks.

Where To Play 21+3 Blackjack?

21+3 Blackjack is a popular variant that combines traditional Blackjack with a poker-inspired side bet. You can find this game in various land-based and online casinos around the world. Here are some places where you can play 21+3 Blackjack:

Land-Based Casinos:

Many brick-and-mortar casinos offer 21+3 Blackjack as part of their table game offerings. Look for casinos in your region or when you’re visiting gambling destinations that provide a diverse range of Blackjack variants.

Online Casinos:

Online casinos are a convenient option to play 21+3 Blackjack from the comfort of your home or on the go. Many online casino platforms offer this variant, allowing you to enjoy the game on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Mobile Casino Apps:

Some online casinos also have dedicated mobile apps that allow you to access their games, including 21+3 Blackjack, on your mobile device. These apps provide a user-friendly interface for gaming on smartphones and tablets.

Live Dealer Casinos:

Live dealer casinos offer an immersive online gaming experience with real dealers hosting games through live video streams. Many live dealer platforms include 21+3 Blackjack as part of their game selection.

Gaming Websites:

Online gaming websites and platforms that host various casino games might feature 21+3 Blackjack among their offerings. These sites can provide a convenient way to enjoy the game without needing to download software.

Casino Resorts:

If you’re planning a vacation to a casino resort, check their gaming options to see if they offer 21+3 Blackjack. Casino resorts often provide a wide range of table games, including various Blackjack variants.

Online Casino Reviews:

Before choosing an online casino to play 21+3 Blackjack, consider reading reviews from reputable sources. These reviews can provide insights into the casino’s reliability, game variety, bonuses, and user experience.

Demo Play:

Some online casinos allow you to try out games, including 21+3 Blackjack, in demo mode without real money bets. This is a great way to practice the game and get familiar with its mechanics.

21+3 Payouts

The payouts for the 21+3 side bet in Blackjack can vary depending on the specific casino and its rules. However, I can provide you with a general idea of the typical payouts that you might encounter. Keep in mind that these payouts may differ among different casinos and regions:

Here are common payout rates for the 21+3 side bet in Blackjack:

• Flush: Three cards of the same suit.
• Payout: Usually around 5 to 1 or 9 to 1.

• Straight: Three consecutive cards of any suit.
• Payout: Typically around 10 to 1.

• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
• Payout: Generally around 30 to 1.

• Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards of the same suit.
• Payout: Commonly around 40 to 1.

• Suited Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank and suit.
• Payout: Often around 100 to 1 or higher.

21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Odds And Combinations:

The 21+3 side bet can bring a payout of 9:1 for a winning hand, but the house edge for this bet can differ significantly depending on the blackjack table and casino. The house edge can range from 2.78% to 13.39%, depending on the variation of the 21+3 side bet.

The 21+3 side bet in a standard blackjack game with 6 decks has a theoretical RTP of 95.38%, which means the house edge is 4.62%. This relatively low house edge makes the side bet attractive to players, as there are multiple ways in which they can win.

How Do You Place a 21+3 Side Bet?

Placing a 21+3 side bet couldn’t be easier. However, it’s important to remember that you must place your bet before your cards are dealt. You must also place your main stake before placing any side bets.

Usually, the table contains a box marked “21+3”, which is where you need to place your chips to make your bet.

Your 21+3 bet is handled and calculated separately from your regular bet. This means that even if a Flush, Straight, Three-of-a-Kind, Straight Flush, or Suited Three-of-a-Kind hand is not created, you’ll still win your original bet if your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s!

Your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card must create one of the hands mentioned above; otherwise, you lose your 21+3 side bet stake.

Is 21+3 Blackjack Better Than The Standard Blackjack Game?

This is an entirely subjective question, and nobody can answer it but yourself. Today, hundreds of different Blackjack games are available, and software providers are continuously creating new concepts. The most important thing is that you are enjoying the games you play.

You should never play a specific casino game or video slot just because it’s popular; when you are gambling, you must enjoy yourself. However, if you want our opinion from a mathematical point of view, well, of course, regular blackjack is better.

Any Blackjack game with a side bet will offer you poorer odds than the main version of the game. That’s just basic mathematics. When playing standard blackjack, it is possible to reduce the house edge to below 1% if you play according to basic strategy.

That is just not possible when you place wagers on a side bet. However, 21+3 blackjack does have its advantages over other side-bet games. The most significant advantage is that it typically offers the lowest house edge of any Blackjack side bet, so if you do want to place side bets, then 21+3 blackjack is a relatively good choice.

If you want to try 21+3 blackjack, you may want to consider playing a demo version of the game. This is easily found at most online casinos today, and it will allow you to try out the game without risking any of your own money. This will let you know how it works and how the payouts are calculated.

---

Frequently Asked Questions